IBM X-Force Security Incident

Home Technology and Security, CIO IBM X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index Home Technology and Security, CIO IBM X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index In partnership with Red Hat, we share insights about the changing threat landscape and how organizations can transform cyber defense into cyber resilience. In partnership with Red Hat, we share insights about the changing threat landscape and how organizations can transform cyber defense into cyber resilience. Download the insights Subscribe for more insights from IBM IBV Key takeaways Manufacturing is the #1-targeted industry, four years in a row. Manufacturing organizations continued to experience significant impacts from attacks, including extortion (29%) and data theft (24%), targeting financial assets and intellectual property. Defying the declining trend in malware, manufacturing had the highest number of ransomware cases in 2024 as attackers continue to exploit outdated legacy technology in this industry. Asia-Pacific region sees a 13% increase in attacks. Asia-Pacific (APAC) experienced the largest share of incidents in 2024 (34%). This underscores APACs growing exposure to cyberthreats, likely due to its critical role in global supply chains and its position as a technology and manufacturing hub. Threat actors add AI to their toolboxes. Our analysts have documented that threat actors are using AI to build web sites and incorporate deepfakes in phishing attacks. We have also observed threat actors applying gen AI to create phishing emails and write malicious code. Number of infostealers delivered via phishing emails per week increases by 84%. Year-over-year, X-Force is seeing a rise in infostealers delivered via phishing emails and credential phishing. Both result in active credentials that may be used in follow-on, identity-based attacks. Phishing has emerged as a shadow infection vector for valid account compromises. By clicking on links that seem legitimate, users can unknowingly open the door to...

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